Hafiz Naeem demands cut in petrol prices, warns protests will continue

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has once again demanded a reduction in petroleum and electricity prices, warning that his party will continue its protest movement if the government fails to provide relief to the public.

Speaking to the media in Karachi, Hafiz Naeem said the government must take clear steps to reduce the burden of rising fuel and power prices. He said that if Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meets the JI leadership, the party will present its demands directly.

“If relief is provided, that is welcome. Otherwise, we will continue the long march,” he said, adding that the party could not retreat from its stated position.

Hafiz Naeem said the government should not consider the JI’s peaceful demonstrations a sign of weakness. He maintained that the party would continue its campaign until its demands were addressed.

The JI leader also criticised the government’s financial arguments regarding fuel prices and petroleum levies. He accused ministers of presenting complicated figures to justify the existing prices.

He questioned government spending by referring to reported expenditures on official transport and other facilities. He also criticised the purchase of a government aircraft in Punjab and the use of multiple vehicles during official travel.

Hafiz Naeem further claimed that the petroleum levy was an additional burden on consumers and should not be treated as an unavoidable component of fuel prices.

He said the JI had agreed to temporarily pause its planned long march following assurances from the prime minister. However, he stressed that the party had not withdrawn from its protest campaign.

According to Hafiz Naeem, demonstrations were still being held in different parts of the country.

He also claimed that without the JI’s pressure campaign, petrol prices could have been increased to Rs500 per litre. He reiterated that the party would continue pressing the government for lower petroleum and electricity prices.

The JI has been campaigning against the petroleum levy and high utility costs and has called for measures to reduce the financial pressure on consumers.